CHAPTER XLIX: Conquest Of Italy By The Franks .-- Part III.
The mutual obligations of the popes and the Carlovingian family form the important link of ancient and modern, of civil and ecclesiastical, history.

In the conquest of Italy, the champions of the Roman church obtained a favorable occasion, a specious title, the wishes of the people, the prayers and intrigues of the clergy.

But the most essential gifts of the popes to the Carlovingian race were the dignities of king of France, [55] and of patrician of Rome.

I.Under the sacerdotal monarchy of St.Peter, the nations began to resume the practice of seeking, on the banks of the Tyber, their kings, their laws, and the oracles of their fate.

The Franks were perplexed between the name and substance of their government.